Concert memories

I was 18 and in that crowd, working my way to the front as the Go-Gos were finishing their set. It was scary – hot, hard to breathe, and a girl near me passed out. We lifted her up over the crowd and handed her to security personnel on the stage. Other guys on the stage were pouring giant 5 gallon Sparklets bottles of water on everyone to cool us down (really appreciated that!). Bowie came on and I was right there. Packed in so tight I could hardly move my arms from my sides. Three songs in, I had to pee so bad I just turned around and tried to head away from the stage. The crowd literally pulled me all the way from deep center field to home plate in about 90 seconds (same song was still playing). I found the men’s room and then just kicked it in the seats behind home plate, watching the show on Diamond Vision. No way I wanted to mess with that crowd again! Lucky no one died. Great show, though.Submitted by George

This concert in Toronto in retrospect was such a gift. It was 40 years ago now and I think of what a magic performer and musician David Bowie was. A stylish showman, a charismatic entertainer. He gave us so many different styles and portrayals of characters, always changing always giving us something new and fresh and riveting. I only wish I could go back in time to that date on a warm late summer nite and the 60,000 transfixed fans and the amazing life adventure of having David Bowie holding us spellbound for his every move and every word he sang. It was oh so very very sweet and magnificent perfect, even though it was perfect really, but no one that night really cared because David had us all under his spell.Submitted by Tony Hayton

I was there. We were following David from Nashville. We drove by the truck in the ditch! Those concerts were the best concerts I have ever seen! There are no words that I have that can express how truly groundbreaking these shows were.Submitted by John Estrem

I was there too. no “warm-up” band. A screen came down and they showed the Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí film: Un Chien Andalou. One of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen.Submitted by Matthew G

I lost my beautiful brother two weeks ago, I am so heartbroken we were so close and he took me to my first ever concert (15) it was at Earls Court 12/5. His encore was Sun machine is coming down and we’re going to have a party,and he had an amazing red suit on. We were right down the front as in those days you could! He loved Bowie and I did after that concert. RIP GlennSubmitted by Cheryl

I was there and it was my first concert. Bowie was the best and I miss him today. ❤️ JS Submitted by Jeanne S

I was at this show. A gang of us drove from Denver to NYC. First time there, 20 years old. Very hot summer nights, but lots of glam kids everywhere. Never forgot it. Angie, Zowie, and Dana Gillespie were in the first tier of seats behind us. Ah, the memories.Submitted by Steve L

I won 2 tickets to see my love David Bowie at that Rosemont. Limo and drinks. Front Row Center. Unbelievable Night. Who did I take. MY SISTER, of course. He even shook her hand. Fabulous time, fabulous night. Watching my favourite entertainer. Was one of many times I watched true artistry. Submitted by Cissy

We we there for the serious moonlight tour. It was a great concert even though our seats were really far away from the stage. Some drunk kids were sitting behind us and he fell backwards and kicked my wife in the back. I turned around and gave him the evil eye and he said to his friend I think that guy wants to hurt me. I was in a good mood so I let it pass. My wife was ok. Bowie had such a cool look with his blond hair and white suit. His band was great, especially Mick Ronson when he played as guest guitarist Submitted by Gary Johnson

I was there as a 17 year old! Incredible show and absolutely accurate account of the evening. I remember seeing the young women topless only to be covered up by the police and whisked away. Bowie’s allure and presence was undeniably strong. Also remember him hitting the globe, much to the delight of everyone at the Garden. Terrific show. We had seats on the floor. I think we paid like 10.00.Submitted by Mark Sanford

This was a phenomenal show. I was probably thirty yeards away dead center outfield grass. I remember that I could see Sting watching the show stage left behind the screen. It was definitely the best thing happening in Anaheim that day (police were playing in Oakland the next night). @andrew – I had previously worked for szabo foods. Saw my first concert at Anahein Stadium after a shift (ELO and Journey), and bought tickets to see Boston, Black Sabbath, Van Halen at the ELO show. MY older brother saw the rolling stones some girls tour 2x a few years earlier while working fro szabo. I recall people showing up to work and getting in with their badges then just quitting to attend the show. Submitted by Killian

I was lucky enough to go to this. It was the same date as my friend’s birthday. So we had a super evening, the band was electrifying and played a long intro before David came on. My ears were ringing when I left the venueSubmitted by Graham King

I was at both of these shows, and the one in ‘89 at the National Ballroom in Kilburn, I still have my tickets from all three shows. I loved them all and understood what Bowie was doing. At one the shows in Brixton an audience member, having heard that Mr.Bowie was trying to stop smoking, threw a packet of cigarettes at him which hit him in the eye, that became apparent after, having been attended to at the side of the stage, Bowie addressed the audience about it .Submitted by Sthirabandhu

So what I remember from that concert was the band on stage playing the first song and Bowie floating down from above in a cage. He is wearing an outfit with large shoulders and wide pants. Two very tall Rockettes grab hold of his outfit and it pulls apart down the center. Think Flash Gordon Evil Ming outfit. Bowie now has a silk looking jumper on and is singing. What a great intro. What a great concert. I was lucky to live just a few miles west of Manhattan to enjoy so many incredible concerts. Submitted by Robert Severini

I returned to the City Hall with my wife on 14th June 2013 – 40 years to the day that I first saw Bowie; luckily the staff were setting up they stage and kindly invited us in to see. Quite emotional to see the place again and reminisce. DeanSubmitted by Dean

I was there! my friend and I wanted to go see chuck berry but her older sister had to drive us …she said we’re going to pirates world to see david bowie. my life was forever changed. fun fact: my life evolved into working w bands on different levels, I worked merch for Celebrating David Bowie in iceland pre shutdown… todd rundgren, angelo moore, adrian belew and many other amazing musicians paid homage to David Bowie. #musicisthebestSubmitted by Robin Gelberg

Just turned 18 went both nights. Happy he ended with Rebel Rebel the second night, remember the crowd being a little restless but wow David Bowie two nights in a rowSubmitted by Homas Helmrich

Two weeks before my 17th birthday….I was there. I recall Chrissyboy and the other Madmen cooking in the hot sun….I was near Belinda when some jokester threw a coke up on her pretty pink dress…..she was SO pissed. For Bowie I had worked myself forward to about six feet from the barrier-dead center…..crowd surge so bad I had to move back about 50 feet during Golden Years-I wanted to enjoy the show! I felt cool wearing my Serious Moonlight muscle shirt to Cerritos High the next Monday……best part of Senior year! Epic day….cherished memories.Submitted by Gadman

Yes, wonderful. I was there too. I can see myself on the video during Suffragette City. An amazing night and an event I’ll never forget. It’s 50 years ago and when I watch the video and hear the tracks it takes me back to Hammersmith Odeon on “that night”. “Not only is this the last …. it’s the last show we’ll ever do”. One word…. FANTASTIC. Colin of Epsom Submitted by Colin

I was there in the crowd that night 19 year old young man in wonder of amazing music coming from small town in Indiana I truly was a country plowboy not an Urban cowboy them days were fantastic in Houston friendliest people in the prettiest women you ever meet Don’t mess with Texas is what we were taught and we loved the placeSubmitted by Randy Rhodes

I recorded this on a Philips cassette recorder . I can tell you this about the gig – it was the first of two shows that evening and something happened on the way to it. I think it was supposed to start at 6pm but didn’t start until about 7pm. David announced that it would be shorter than usual because they had a second gig at the same venue later that evening but he said they would be making it a special show even though it was short. It was a pretty show and as soon as it started people downstairs (where I was) started standing on their seats. Something happened and I slipped off but I think I kept recording okay. It was the second time I had seen Bowie and the third time was the second to last night of the tour at Hammersmith Odeon, the night before he quit Ziggy. Great show.Submitted by Mark Stokes

I was there too! I had just turned 14 on October and celebrated my birthday at the forum seeing Bowie and Nin / Trent on the 28th and then I got see Bowie alone at the palladium. I squeezed into the front from the right side standing room only stage and David reached out during one song and wriggled his fingers across the hands of loving fans… his fingers skirted and tickled gently across mine… I was in heaven. Star struck 🙂 what an amazing memory. AprilSubmitted by April

They must have got the truck back on the road because i saw the concert at the Seminole Jai-Alai Fronton on July 3,1974 and the whole set was there,bridge etc. you couldn’t see the band at all,thet were in the back corner with some sort of mesh tent over them, i was kinda bummed out because i always went up to the front before or after concerts to look at the drumsets.Sanborn came out a few steps when he had a short part,otherwise they stayed put.that Slick had some chops! There was a minor scuffle when the doors opened, everyone rushed the turnstiles, some jumping them, there was one security guard, an older Black man, and he really freaked out and started swinging his club. When we got in my friend asked if i had my ticket stub, i did and he took it, went outside, called his brother and he came up there, ran all the way and got in also-my friends ticket wasn’t torn in the melee.In hindsight this was the best {theatrical} concert i ever saw. We were lucky in Central Florida, we had a lot of concert venues from say 1967-mid 1970’s and i saw a lot of the bands while they were still young, before concerts got so big and you had to sit in your exact seat and not move or you got harassed by those seated around you or the ushers,who had a little power and usually acted like jerks!Submitted by Mickey Finnegan

I was Crowned Queen of this Country on stage at this Concert in August 1987, Anaheim Stadium. I had a Royal Crowning Service previously as a child. I would like to have my taping of the concert that include all that occurred on Stage and my Speech and question and answer with the Audience. What a Magical Event this David Bowie Concert was. Enchanted as I was before this glorious Concert, I left mystified. I have always held David Bowie ‘ the White Duke’, in high regard. God rest his soul. Jamie Marie DavisSubmitted by Jamie Marie Davis

I was there. A good night,but I thought the show was too short . 16 songs. No ” Golden Years”, ” Moonage Daydream”, ” Ziggy” ” Aladdin Sane”, ” Space Oddity”, ” Cracked Actor” or ” Kooks”. But I think this was the last great Bowie tour.Submitted by Gabriel Bender

I was there. My first concert at 15 yrs old. Bowie was amazing, as expected. I was close to the stage and The Beach Boys definitely opened. But I’m trying to figure out if Brian and Dennis Wilson were there. It would have been sketchy if either of them were there, but I was 15 and Mike Love was the frontman from what I recall. And Al Jaridine was there. I don’t think I got the full beach boys original line up then. They played their final show as a band (minus Carl Wilson) in September 83. Who was there at Hershey stadium playing with The Beach Boys on 8/28/1983.Submitted by Kathryn Antreasian

I attended the show and was in the first row, standing up against the stage. When the riot broke out, the crowds rushed the stage, crushing me. Bowie’s bass guitarist, Herbie Flowers, reached down, grabbed my hand, and pulled me to the stage. He rushed me backstage and out into the parking lot. I was separated from my friends, so he gave me $20 for a taxi home. 49 years later, I was put in touch with his art instructor in England; she mentioned me to him, and he remembered everything. I had hoped to see him at the end of September 2024, but sadly, he passed away two weeks before. I’m forever grateful to him; he literally saved my life. Submitted by Wanda

I was at this concert and got on the stage twice and kissed David. wish I had photos of this. Also Mick Ronson was practising when we snuck into the hall and he came down and chatted to us. Great memoriesSubmitted by Christine Smith

Was at this amazing show, flew from Tasmania, Australia to see it. My best friend Scotty Dot was part of the lightning crew this night- weirdly I met Stirling Campbell, the drummer, at a cafe the following day- we had a good chat about the show. Mr. Bowie was in stellar form- the band – sublime-Submitted by Tim Goddard

I was a student at Goldsmiths and lived in halls of residence in granville park Lewisham. Lucky for me they wanted usherettes that evening and my name got picked out of a hat !! The best night ever and I got paid to see my absolute Hero David Bowie. After selling ice creams I was right at the front all night … blisSubmitted by Helen Scoffham

Amidst intense screams (my own included, I confess), the lights dimmed and adrenaline shot through the crowd. The band members walked across a catwalk-like platform to their spots, and the new single, "New Killer Star," opened the set. A full 26 songs and two and a half hours later, it was over. Meanwhile, the ecstatic crowd (a pleasant mix of calm forty-somethings and young, devoted fans) was treated to everything you could want and more. Not only did the second song, "The Jean Genie," immediately hit the mark, but it continued. Between smash hits like "Fame," a superb version of "China Girl," and "Ashes to Ashes," there was room for the newer songs ("Cactus," "Fall Dog Bombs the Moon") and the goosebump-inducing moment par excellence: "Under Pressure." We're not even halfway through when the realization hits us that this is another legendary concert, with an equally excellent setlist. And strangely enough, it's only around the fifth song that it finally dawns on me that He's truly here. It all seems too good to be true; the whole thing is rock solid, the band plays fabulously, and the atmosphere is sublime. That magic, again. Flabbergasted. After a brief tease of Blur's "Song 2," the journey through Bowie's back catalog continues. From "Fashion," "Heroes," a fantastic rendition of "Try Some, Buy Some," to the real surprises of the evening: the cryptic "The Motel" and the delightfully new arrangement of "Loving the Alien." Among the melodic pieces are the 1. Outside tracks; in the first part, "Hello Spaceboy" and later "I'm Afraid of Americans." Hard-hitting industrial rock that was wonderful to let loose. The entire set only had one minor drawback: the mediocre, rippling "5:15 The Angels Have Gone," but after "The Motel," you forgive Bowie everything! At the end of "Heathen (The Rays)," Bowie is led offstage by bassist Gail Ann Dorsey, after which the band jams on for a while and gradually calls it a day. The message must have been a bit overwhelming, because after a quick bathroom break, master keyboardist Mike Garson appeared at his keyboards and launched into the intense "Bring Me The Disco King." This proved to be the starting signal for a real "we're-not-going-home-yet" vibe in the Bowie band. A throbbing "Pablo Picasso" was followed by "Changes." A brilliant end to the concert, you might have thought. But... the party wasn't over, and "Let's Dance" wasn't going home either. So, we were treated to a whopping seven songs as an encore, with the unexpected "Suffragette City" and the pounding classic-of-classics "Ziggy Stardust" as the closing prize. In short: a dreamy setlist, musically perfect down to the last detail; that's what a David Bowie concert is all about. His band is made up of top-notch performers, each one truly adding something to the songs. Without wanting to discredit the others, noteworthy artists include Mike Garson, who creates depth and texture with jazzy improvisations and fast-paced riffs, and the ferocious drummer Sterling Campbell, whose "powerhouse drumming" made the gut tremble more than once. But beyond the music, beyond the songs, beyond the musicians, this concert was also remarkable for another reason. The sound, lighting, and stage design teams play a crucial role with a mega-act like Bowie. The armada of trucks outside the venue turned out to create a stage inside with a massive LCD screen, three screens suspended in the hall, a mouthwatering light show, and a U-shaped catwalk that stretched from the back of the stage to the sides. The use of the spotlights, for a change, to illuminate the venue from the lights, worked wonders. David Bowie himself visibly enjoyed the fans' reactions, walking the catwalk to the sides, singing directly to the stands, addressing the crowd directly, and touching many a chord. That enjoyment of the master himself, combined with the images on the screen and the music, was a sight you won't soon forget. Submitted by Maria Bloem

BBC Television Centre in White City (Top of the Pops): I was in the studio audience the night he performed Starman on TV. When he pointed into the camera during “I had to phone someone, so I picked on you-hoo-hoo,” it felt like he was pointing at me. I’ve never seen a moment change culture so instantly. The next day, everyone in school wanted to dye their hair red. Submitted by Fiona ClarkeSubmitted by Fiona Clarke

The Heathen Tour in Paris was intimate, refined, and emotional. Bowie’s voice was warm and perfect — “Slip Away” was heartbreaking. The audience was quiet, listening to every note. It felt like seeing an old friend again, wiser but still magical. When he left the stage, we all knew we’d witnessed something rare.Submitted by Claire Dubois

The Sound + Vision show in Buenos Aires was massive — tens of thousands singing Changes. Bowie was humble and full of gratitude. “You make me feel young again,” he said, smiling. It felt like a farewell to an era, but also a thank-you to the fans. When he ended with Fame, fireworks exploded behind the stage — unreal.Submitted by Miguel Herrera

The Glass Spider Tour was a spectacle — dancers, scaffolding, fire, and Bowie commanding it all. The visuals were pure theatre. When he sang Time Will Crawl, I cried. Critics didn’t always get that tour, but live, it was stunning. He looked powerful and alive, a true artist pushing every limit.Submitted by Lisa Grant

The Diamond Dogs tour was wild — half rock concert, half dystopian theatre. The stage looked like a collapsing city; Bowie prowled around like a cat. “Sweet Thing” into “Candidate” gave me goosebumps. It was messy, bold, dangerous — and utterly brilliant. You didn’t just see Bowie, you entered his imagination.Submitted by Robert Keane

The Serious Moonlight tour was Bowie’s sunshine era — he looked radiant. “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl” had everyone swaying and clapping. He smiled the whole time, joking with the audience in perfect Dutch: “Goedenavond, Rotterdam!” I still have the tour program — the colors, the style, the joy. That night, Bowie made us all feel glamorousSubmitted by Anita de Jong

I was just 17 when Bowie brought The Ziggy Stardust Tour to Glasgow. The crowd was electric — glitter, makeup, platform boots everywhere. When he launched into Suffragette City, the floor literally shook. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just music — it’s the future.” We walked out stunned, our ears ringing, our lives changed.Submitted by Paul Richardson

Bowie’s 50th birthday concert — what a night! So many guests, from Lou Reed to Billy Corgan, but it was his show. “Little Wonder” opened with a roar, and by the time he sang “Space Oddity,” the whole arena sang along word for word. You could see how happy he was, smiling between every verse. It felt like celebrating a lifetime of genius together.Submitted by Jennifer Morales

Seeing Bowie in Berlin during the Isolar II tour was like watching history happen in real time. The mix of Low and “Heroes” songs echoed the city itself — cold, experimental, beautiful. During “Sense of Doubt”, the lights washed the stage in blue, and it felt like time stopped. Bowie didn’t just play to Berlin; he belonged to it.Submitted by Markus Vogel

The Outside tour in London was unforgettable — dark, theatrical, unpredictable. Bowie painted stories in sound and light. When he performed “The Motel”, the entire arena went silent, just soaking in the atmosphere. His chemistry with Reeves Gabrels was pure electricity. I left feeling like I’d seen an artist completely reborn.Submitted by Sarah Jenkins

Bowie’s voice on the Reality Tour was astonishing — strong, soulful, full of confidence. The setlist was a perfect mix: New Killer Star, Five Years, Under Pressure — all delivered with warmth and humor. He laughed between songs and kept saying how much he loved being back on stage. It was the last time I’d ever see him live, and it still feels like a gift.-11-22Submitted by Hank deVries

Bowie’s Sound + Vision Tour felt like a farewell to every song that made us who we were. When the blue screens lit up behind him and Space Oddity began, the entire arena went silent. The visuals were years ahead of their time — silhouettes, projections, surreal colors. He promised it was the last time he’d play some of these songs, and it truly felt like saying goodbye to an old friend.Submitted by Kees van der Kooi

The Serious Moonlight Tour was pure joy — Bowie was smiling, dancing, and clearly loving every moment. When Let’s Dance started, the entire crowd jumped to their feet. I remember confetti, saxophones, and that golden light bathing him during Modern Love. It was the happiest Bowie I’d ever seen, and everyone left glowing.Submitted by Dave Santman

The “Isolar” tour hit New York like a lightning bolt. Bowie came on stage in that elegant waistcoat and slicked-back hair — the Thin White Duke era in full force. His version of Station to Station opened the show and it was hypnotic — white lights flashing like a train speeding through the dark. The whole night felt tense, theatrical, and absolutely magnetic. I still remember the dry ice drifting across the stage as Word on a Wing echoed through the hall.Submitted by Sam Cocker

The audience was highly engaged and positive, with many fans describing the show as energetic and enjoyable. The encore featured a three-song "Ziggy Stardust" tribute, which included "Hang On to Yourself" and "Suffragette City," before ending with the title track. Encore: A special encore of "Ziggy Stardust" was performed, featuring a blistering three-song set. Submitted by Diedrich Streuper